DR NG VIEWS GUARDSMEN'S LATEST PEACETIME CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENTS

The speed and capabilities of Guardsmen have been invaluable in peace support as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations undertaken by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen visited servicemen from the Guards formation on 19 Sep at the Lim Chu Kang Live-Firing Area.

Better known for their heli-rapelling abilities, the Guardsmen are elite infantry soldiers who specialise in rapid deployment. Over the years, SAF personnel including servicemen from the Guards formation have taken part in over twenty peacetime missions.

These include the United Nations peace keeping operations in Timor Leste from 1999 to 2003, and, more recently, the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan from 2007 to 2013.

During his visit, Dr Ng was updated on the Guards Formation's latest peacetime capabilities.

He tried his hand at firing an electric stun gun, as well as foam projectile rounds from a multiple grenade launcher. These are weapons used to immobilise a hostile person and to disperse a crowd respectively.

Dr Ng also witnessed their drill and tactics. The Guardsmen demonstrated how they counterattack, regroup, and pull out of a hotspot when their convoy is ambushed.

He also viewed a static display of equipment such as the Mobile Field Kitchen and Water Purification Unit. These equipment enable the troops to sustain themselves in extended peace support operations.

After the visit, Dr Ng wrote on his Facebook page: "The Guards know that they have to be independent and self-sustaining in these areas, where conditions can be harsh... Good to know they are on top of things."

Chief Guards Officer Brigadier-General Melvyn Ong noted that the Guards formation had helped to strengthen the SAF's peacetime capabilities by building on its servicemen's experience in operations.

"Our people have done well and learnt a great deal from these operations. This has...enabled Singapore to contribute as a responsible member of the international community."